Plan now for a helping of Thanksgiving weekend fun

Wouldn't it be great to freeze the Turkey Day leftovers and walk away from the mess the weekend after Thanksgiving? Take the family and run away to downtown Seattle to put your brain in holiday mode. We know -- you don't even have the kid's Halloween costume yet -- but if you want to book a hotel you have to act fast. From the fanciest Four Seasons to the stately Mayflower, most offer shoppers' packages that include extras such as gift cards, cocoa and cookies, even gift wrapping. Check visitseattle.org or www.seattle-downtown.com for special offers.Here's a weekend plan. Give 'em a whirlThe carousel at Westlake Park cranks up Friday, Nov. 23. A donation, canned or cash, to benefit foster children at Treehouse for Kids snags a ride on the merry-go-tradition. Rather go up than around? Hop on the Great Wheel on the waterfront.He's here, he's here: Line the streets downtown before 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23, for Macy's annual Holiday Parade. Floats, marching bands and drill teams snake their way from Seventh and Pine to Fourth and Pine with Santa in tow.Hit the lightsThe city lights up at 4:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, with the Westlake Tree Lighting Ceremony and fireworks display. The switch is thrown, too, on Macy's giant star at 5 p.m. Did the streetlights just dim?WinterfestSeattle Center twinkles with millions of lights and hundreds of Winterfest activities, including ice skating, the miniature winter train and village, ice sculpting, and choral groups a-caroling at the Center House. The Seattle Men's Chorus performs free at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24.Carols at the marketPike Place Market gets the glow on as Dickens-themed carolers stroll the market Saturday, Nov. 24, singing a cappella. Santa's there for photo ops, then he counts down to light a tree at 5 p.m.Wildlights at the zooThe real animals may be wearing dark glasses this year when the Woodland Park Zoo's 375,000 LED Wildlights outline some unreal animals from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. every night from Nov. 23 through Jan. 1. The winter wilding includes the zoo's carousel, reindeer and warming refreshments.

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